20th May 2012
THE SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
20th May, 2012
“The Waiting is the Way”
That phrase of Bp. Richard Holloway’s from a sermon I heard him preach in Oxford many years ago has stuck with me through the years. Among its many applications is this season of waiting between Ascension and the promised gift of the Spirit, and the feast of Pentecost—the third great festival of the Christian Year—celebrating the receipt of that gift. Waiting can be hard, especially in a world and with life-styles so used to immediacy. However, waiting is often necessary and equally often good. Good, at least, because it can heighten the sense of appreciation and delight when what we wait for finally comes.
Over the week now beginning why not say this prayer of Pentecost each day as a way to direct your energy of waiting. Say it, perhaps, when you get up and before you set about the day’s tasks:
Holy Spirit, sent by the Father,
ignite in me your holy fire;
strengthen me with the gift of faith,
revive your church with the breath of love,
and renew the face of the earth,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
At next Sunday’s 10.30 Sung Eucharist we will baptize Jonathan Cole, son of Phil and Linda and Annabella, daughter of Avanella Coupland. Pentecost is one of the chief days for Baptism, and it will offer us all a chance to renew our baptism vows too.
The funeral of the Rev’d Dr Christopher Jones will take place on Whit Monday 28th May here at 1.00 pm. Everyone is encouraged to support Jenny and the family with your prayers and presence.
The Rev’d Dr Charles Miller, Team Rector
THE SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
20th May, 2012
“The Waiting is the Way”
That phrase of Bp. Richard Holloway’s from a sermon I heard him preach in Oxford many years ago has stuck with me through the years. Among its many applications is this season of waiting between Ascension and the promised gift of the Spirit, and the feast of Pentecost—the third great festival of the Christian Year—celebrating the receipt of that gift. Waiting can be hard, especially in a world and with life-styles so used to immediacy. However, waiting is often necessary and equally often good. Good, at least, because it can heighten the sense of appreciation and delight when what we wait for finally comes.
Over the week now beginning why not say this prayer of Pentecost each day as a way to direct your energy of waiting. Say it, perhaps, when you get up and before you set about the day’s tasks:
Holy Spirit, sent by the Father,
ignite in me your holy fire;
strengthen me with the gift of faith,
revive your church with the breath of love,
and renew the face of the earth,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
At next Sunday’s 10.30 Sung Eucharist we will baptize Jonathan Cole, son of Phil and Linda and Annabella, daughter of Avanella Coupland. Pentecost is one of the chief days for Baptism, and it will offer us all a chance to renew our baptism vows too.
The funeral of the Rev’d Dr Christopher Jones will take place on Whit Monday 28th May here at 1.00 pm. Everyone is encouraged to support Jenny and the family with your prayers and presence.
The Rev’d Dr Charles Miller, Team Rector